Courier Friends to Follow

We must survive life's storms

Pastor's corner

By Elder D.S. Andrews
Columnist

POSTED:September 28, 2009 9:36 a.m.

In today’s world, we face many challenges. It’s called surviving the storm. When Peter got in his ship and went out into the storm, he knew Jesus was with him. When he saw how violent the wind and rain were and he started to sink, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:31 says, “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” We must see and understand what happened. Peter realized he could not deal with the storm by himself, so he called for help. But, he did not call on just anyone — he called on the one who he knew could save him, Jesus. Everyone needs help at some point. We need assistance to thrive in the “storm of life.” We may need some financial help, a place to stay or just a smile. We must realize and understand that what we have today, we may not have tomorrow. Let’s look at the impact of hurricanes on coastal and gulf areas. One week, the people who live in a storm’s projected path are fine. The next week, some are homeless. We track storms and project where they will hit, but sometimes we don’t see them coming. Don’t wait until after a storm to fix your broken relationships. Do it before the storm — before you sink. We don’t always know who will survive. Have you been through the storm of your life? Has the water damaged your goods? Has the wind blown your possessions away? At some point, you will go through the “storm of life.” It may come in the form of a damaged relationship with your mother, father, brother, friend, son or daughter. Take some time to fix it. Understand that all you can do is try, but the person you are at odds with must try as well. We are strong-minded, giving people, but we must also act humble. Acting humble does not mean we allow people to treat us badly. It means we know how to appropriately talk to and deal with people. Sometimes, a storm can help your life. The storm may get you out of your current situation. This may be the time that you receive help or get a new start. Sometimes, we are happy the storm goes somewhere else, but we are not thinking that it will cause damage wherever it goes. I have seen many positive stories come out of storms. When the storm comes and you start to sink, what are you going to do? Do like Peter did and call on the one who you know can save you, Jesus. May God bless you and yours.